Six months after Irish citizens voted overwhelmingly to change their nation's Constitution to allow same-sex marriage
-- paving the way for Ireland to become the first country in the world
to adopt such a policy through popular vote -- both houses of Parliament
passed corresponding legislation.
"Historic day after a long journey!" tweeted Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. "Well done to everybody involved!"
Despite extensive campaigns by both sides, the final referendum result
wasn't all that close: more than 1.2 million votes in favor of same-sex
marriage, compared to about 735,000 against.
The bill awaits the signature of President Michael Higgins. But that's a foregone conclusion.
The
same-sex marriage effort has had the support of much of the Irish
political establishment, and that was reflected again on Thursday. Enda
Kenny, Ireland's prime minister (or Taoiseach), was among those who
cheered the news, tweeting: "For gay sons&daughters,
brothers&sisters, family&friends -- the end of a long journey,
the beginning of a new day. #MarRef."
Once the marriage bill is signed into law,
which could happen next week, same-sex couples could walk down the
aisle in the Emerald Isle in a matter of days.
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